[Minor revision–posted 8/26/15 (replaces 9/5/13 edition)]
Operating Policy and Procedure
OP 60.13:
Hazardous Materials Shipping
DATE:
August 26, 2015
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to ensure that hazardous
materials (HAZMAT) packages shipped by Texas Tech University have a properly
completed shipping declaration form in accordance with Department of Transportation
regulations.
REVIEW:
This OP will be reviewed in August of odd-numbered years by the assistant vice
president for research (environment health and safety) (EH&S) in coordination with the
assistant vice president for research. Substantive revisions will be consolidated by the
assistant vice president for EH&S and forwarded to the associate vice president for
research (research integrity).
POLICY/PROCEDURE
1. Intent
All hazardous materials shipments must comply with the U. S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) shipping regulations under 49CFR172.702 and the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) dangerous goods regulations. Any person shipping hazardous materials from Texas Tech
must be trained in proper procedures by EH&S. To offer hazardous materials for shipment
without the proper training is a violation of federal law. Fines up to $75,000 per occurrence are
possible consequences for the responsible parties.
2. Responsibilities
a. Texas Tech EH&S is responsible for implementing and maintaining training for the shipment
of hazardous materials. EH&S will issue certificates and maintain copies for documentation
of training. HAZMAT training registration is done by contacting EH&S.
b. Each department head/chairperson is responsible for ensuring that those personnel under their
control that are involved in the shipment of hazardous materials are properly trained in
accordance with this OP.
3. Training
All Texas Tech employees required to ship hazardous materials will be trained and recertified
every two years through EH&S. The training will be given in accordance with DOT training
requirements as addressed in 49CFR172.702. Each individual will receive certification for
hazardous materials shipping upon successful completion of the training.
OP 60.13
August 26, 2015
Page 2
4. Definitions
a. Hazardous material – A substance or material that the secretary of transportation has
determined is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when
transported in commerce and has designated as hazardous under Section 5103 of the Federal
Hazardous Materials Transportation Law. This term includes hazardous substances,
hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, elevated temperature materials, and materials designated
as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Table under 49CFR172.101.
b. Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) – The regulations in 49CFR Parts 171 through 180.
c. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations – Procedures
for shippers by which articles and substances with hazardous properties can be safely
transported by air.
d. Shipping or Transportation – The movement of property and the loading, unloading, or
storage incidental to the movement.
5. Procedures
a. Only personnel who have completed a Hazardous Material Training course within the last
two years may ship a hazardous material. To ship a hazardous material, a Hazardous
Material Shipping Declaration Form, available on the EH&S Web site, must be completed.
(http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ehs/Web/HazMatShippingForm.aspx)
b. ChemWatch, Inc. will be listed as the 24-hour emergency contact on all hazardous materials
shipments originating from Texas Tech University. Only shipments in compliance with this
OP may use ChemWatch, Inc. as a 24-hour emergency contact.
c. All Hazardous Material Shipping Papers will be reviewed by EH&S and MailTech prior to
shipping. A copy of the Hazardous Material Shipping Paper will be filed with EH&S upon
shipment.
d. Upon submitting the form, the requestor must take the properly packaged shipment to
MailTech for shipping.
OP 60.13